PhD Fellowship in Psychology - Dr Alice Chan
PhD fellowship in Language, Literacy and Learning across the Lifespan in the Department of Psychology at the University of Warwick (Language and Learning Group)
Supervisor: Dr Alice Chan
This PhD fellowship supports PhD research on language, literacy, and learning across the lifespan. The research is multidisciplinary, drawing on developmental psychology, psycholinguistics, education, and cognitive science. This work is directly relevant to language and literacy learning in and out of classrooms, as well as to improving evidence-based support for learners of different ages.
Dr Chan’s research focuses on two linked themes: (1) bi-literacy and reading development among young children (age 5-11) and young adults; and (2) older adults’ speech and language perception and learning. The first theme examines how bilingual experience and sublexical/metalinguistic skills (e.g., morphological awareness) support reading development. The second theme investigates age-related differences in speech perception and learning, including the extent to which training and individual differences (e.g., working memory) shape outcomes in later life.
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that align closely with these strands, though related proposals that fit Dr Chan’s expertise are also welcome. Studies may involve behavioural experiments, including training or intervention-style designs and individual-differences approaches, and can work with children, young adults, and/or older adults. The representative publications listed below illustrate how Dr Chan’s work approaches related issues in literacy development and speech learning across the lifespan.
The PhD student will join the Language and Learning Group. This group consists of many senior academics interested in language acquisition (Prof Sotaro Kita, Prof Thomas Hills, Dr Olga Fehrer, Dr Adriano Lameira, Dr Michelle McGillion, Dr Suzanne Aussems, Dr Matthew Mak, Dr Chiara Gambi), PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers. The student will have access to the Department of Psychology’s Child and Baby Lab (known as WaRKs, Warwick Research with Kids) and its extensive database of families and nurseries/schools interested in research. The Department of Psychology houses two eye-trackers suitable with research with children (an Eye-Link 1000 and a Tobii Pro Fusion), as well as facilities for preferential looking studies, an fNIRS system and an EEG system
Requirements: We are looking for candidates with an interest in language and literacy development and/or speech and language learning across the lifespan. Strong skills in statistical analyses (preferably R) and academic writing are highly valued. Applicants should, as a minimum, have an Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related field, but preferably a First Class undergraduate degree or a Master’s distinction in Psychology or a related field (e.g., Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Education). To apply, we require 3 core documents for all applications to include i) your CV (2 pages maximum), ii) a cover letter (2 pages maximum) detailing why you are a suitable candidate, any relevant background or research experience, and a description of your research interests together with iii) your research proposal.
Applicants without an existing PhD application with us should apply online through the Doctoral College online form: https://warwick.ac.uk/pgapply
Applicants who already have an existing PhD application with us should instead complete the online form: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/psych/fellowships/applications
For questions regarding this PhD project, please contact Dr Alice Chan (alice.chan@warwick.ac.uk).
Representative publications relevant to these projects:
Lau, F., Toh, X. R., Ong, J. H., Luk, G., Wong, F. C. K., & Chan, A. H. D. (2025). Relationship between implicit learning and early English reading skills is mediated by morphological awareness. Reading and Writing, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-025-10640-0
Lai, C.-Y. Y., Ng, P. S., Chan, A. H. D., & Wong, F. C. K. (2023). Effects of auditory training in older adults. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 66(10), 4137-4149. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_JSLHR-22-00621
Kalaivanan, K., Wong, P. C. M., Wong, F. C. K., & Chan, A. H. D. (2023). Native language perceptual sensitivity predicts nonnative speech perception differently in younger and older Singaporean bilinguals. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 66(3), 987-1017. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_JSLHR-22-00199
Ong, J. H., & Chan, A. H. D. (2023). Working memory modulates the effect of music on word learning. Language and Cognition, 15(1), 131-147. https://doi.org/10.1017/langcog.2022.29
Closing date - Sunday 15th March 2026 by 23:59pm